New research suggests that acupuncture may benefit patients who have suffered from a stroke (CVA), which is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. The research pointing towards the positive outcomes for the use acupuncture is summed up below:

1) Acupuncture and Balance Function in Stroke Patients

Acupuncture may boost balance in people who have suffered a stroke, according to a 2009 study of 30 patients. After undergoing a single acupuncture treatment, study participants showed improvements in balance function (as well as in muscle strength).

2) Acupuncture for Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients

In a 2005 study of 33 stroke patients with chronic hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), researchers tested the effects of up to 20 acupuncture sessions over an average of 10.5 weeks. While acupuncture failed to improve upper-extremity function or quality of life in the study participants, some subjects did experience gains in motor function over the course of the study.

3) Acupuncture for Spastic Dyskinesia in Stroke Patients

A study published in 2007 shows that acupuncture may help treat spastic dyskinesia (difficulty in performing voluntary movements), a common problem among stroke patients. The study involved 96 stroke patients, all of whom underwent one acupuncture session. Study results suggest that acupuncture may significantly improve spastic dyskinesia, as well as enhance daily functioning.